Contraception patronage drop sharply in Tema

Patronage of contraception methods within the Tema Metropolis is said to have dropped sharply from almost 100 per cent to 18 per cent.

Dr. John Yaboni, Tema Metropolitan Director of Health Services, disclosed this to journalists recently at a Community Family Planning Durbar, which was held in Tema.

"We have decided to re-awaken awareness among the public concerning family planning services that we have on offer."

Dr. Yaboni said whilst the awareness and patronage of family planning methods saw a rise to almost a hundred per cent within the Metropolis in 2009, the figure had dropped low to 18 per cent at present.

He said it was unfortunate that many people had been gripped by poverty because they had large unplanned families they could not manage.

Dr. Yaboni said besides that, proper spacing between one delivery and another "ensures that you regain your strength completely, before your next delivery."

He advised health workers to be patient with people who sought their assistance in family planning issues, and also advised members of the public to be quick in seeking clarification on the topic from health experts.

"We are ready to bring our services to them. We only need their cooperation."

Mrs. Elizabeth Odoi, Deputy Director, Nursing services, Tema Metropolis, urged people to seek education on contraception from health personnel.

"There are many men who do not know how to effectively use a condom, although they might think they know so well," she said.

She said it was worth knowing that wrong contraception usage could have dire effects, such as getting infected by a sexually transmitted disease.